The Quest for Hieronymus Bosch

Hieronymus Bosch, who was only four,

Had toddled right out of my life,

I didn’t know whether he’d gone on his own

Or left with the trouble and strife.

She’d rave and she’d threaten to fly the coop

As she said that my ways were strange,

But whether she’d bother to take him too

Would have meant a remarkable change.

 

‘Why did you pick such a horrible name,’

She’d say, as she ladled the stew,

‘You gave him the name of a painter insane,’

(As he baited the bears at the zoo).

‘How can he live a commonplace life

With a moniker he can’t spell?

You’ve sentenced your son to eternal strife

Like that panel, a painting of hell.’

 

Hieronymus, he didn’t care about this,

He wanted to picture his world,

He’d flop and he’d slop in the mud, in his bliss,

And paint, till his toes had curled.

I knew that he’d be a surrealist when

He played with his mash, and was cute,

He swished it around on his palette to look

Like a man with a nose like a flute.

 

‘That kid is so gruesome,’ the wife had exclaimed,

‘He’s set on a roadway to hell.’

He’d crayoned a picture of me and her sister

Entwined on her favourite bell.

‘He isn’t like others,’ I used to exclaim,

‘He sees what he sees inside out,

He doesn’t like others, like hair-splitting mothers,’

And that’s when she started to shout.

 

I’ve searched and I’ve searched for Heironymus Bosch,

I’m trying to follow his trail,

The long line of beetles he captured in treacle,

The dead dog that’s eating its tail.

I know that he’s not with the trouble and strife

For she went into hiding in Greece,

He should be called Chester, the lad’s such a jester,

I guess I’ll be calling the Police.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Vishuddha]

I never before wondered what it might be like to be the parent of the original Heironymus Bosch but now I get a glimpse. And, where did this one go? Wandered off into one of his nightmares? Did he grow up to be David Lynch? Such an inventive poet! You always set me thinking.

[Terrence Chang]

Fascinating story you have portrayed Mr. David. I am not so well versed with the Hieronymus Bosch's story and his life as a painter. But you have said it soo well that I would like to read more about him

[TPK Stories]

It sounds as the lad was an imaginitve soul who nobody understood...well written David.

[alf]

Hahahahahaha!!! Another spirit lifting poem with incredible essence and so provokes the laughter!!! Loooove this. Wasn't there a detective series (Books) with the same name??? Anyway, great write, alf

[R Smith]

wow! David that's one crazy tale, i laughed so i hope its right to, i guess with a subject like Bosch it had to be insane and full of mad passion, its really great, so this 4 year old went on the run causing chaos along the way with beetles and dogs, now he's Chester the jester, yep you better call the police :)

[Marie]

I do't think his trail should be that hard to follow. Just look for weirdness. I don't know what he'd do if the police captured him. Probably spray paint their squad cars and make a still life out of their hats...

[Valentine]

Very interesting and informative write. If he is still a child, call the police. If he is grown, start searching all the art archives. Must have had some hidden talents with that name. Valentine

[ANTO]

With a name like Heironymus,
Like a boy named Sue,
They had to do
What they had to do.

Some people's names just seem to be the right fit from the off David.
I loved being introduced to this painter and his works. Thank you for that. Reminded me of another crazy painter of more recent times Richard Daad.
I liked this one DLP - Bravo my friend.

[Jennie Baron]

I see this as ghoulish, like Barbz said, but also charming, although it might sound strange to say. I see it as a celebration of those of us who are "different." Please spare me from a "commonplace" life. Well done again, David!

[Barbz]

How sweet his innocence, in spite of the objections of his mother to his name and actions. His father recognized his young talent and let him dance to his own tune. Quite cute his unusual actions, but the beetles and dead dogs tail was ghoulish.....Heironymous Bouch, I hope they find you and didn't change who you are! Curiously, I wish it didn't end.........Sequel perhaps in the future, Master? Quite a treat, as usual...Barbz